Patent · US Expired

Demand apnea control of central and obstructive sleep apnea

US5146918A · kind A · utility

320Cited by
6References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 19, 1991
Grant dateSep 15, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 19, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N1/3601
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the control of both central and obstructive sleep apnea using electrical stimulation on a demand basis. Implantable sensors monitor the respiration cycle and determine the occurrence of apnea events. Central apnea is sensed by the passage of an escape interval of time without the sensing of an inspiratory event and a concurrent decrease in blood oxygen saturation. Obstructive sleep apnea is sensed as an abnormal pressure differential across the airway. The diaphragm is electrically stimulated upon sensing of central apnea. The musculature of the upper airway is electrically stimulated upon sensing of an occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea. Stimulation of the upper airway is provided whenever central apnea is sensed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.